- The largest Bird of Paradise species is the Black Sicklebill (Epimachus Fastosus), measuring up to 43 inches (110 cm.).
- The smallest species is the King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus Regius), measuring 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm.).
- The newest species is the Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise (Lophorina Niedda), which, although founded as a subspecies in 1930, became its own species in 2018.
- Birds of paradise lay clutches of 2-3 eggs per nest.
- Birds of paradise eat mostly fruits and berries, but some prefer insects.
- Chicks usually hatch within 20 days and are independent by the time they are a month old.
- Some birds of paradise, like the Standardwing Bird of Paradise (Semioptera Wallacii), the Twelve Wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis Melanoleucus), and the King-of-Saxony Bird of Paradise (Pteridophora Alberti), are in their own separate genera.
- To create their intricate displays, birds of paradise use a small set of special muscles found in all species of birds’ skin to puff up their feathers in different ways. Evolution has made this easier for birds of paradise.
- The common ancestor for all birds of paradise was a drab, crow-like bird.
- All male birds of paradise watch older males’ courtship displays and practice on each other.
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